J.J. Horne has provided key production at the Will linebacker spot each of the last two years...a chief reserve and occasional starter, Horne will look to secure the full-time job this year...brings an athletic package to the position...his height, long arms and speed allow him to cover a lot of space...making him an even greater asset is his strong grasp of the defensive scheme..."J.J. has a ton of experience and that is going to help our defense tremendously," linebackers coach Curtis Bray said. "With his knowledge and his speed, J.J. is someone we expect to strongly compete for the starting Will job."

2004: Played in all 12 games at Will linebacker with one start...had 24 tackles...led the team with 3.5 sacks...started the Nebraska contest and finished with four tackles and a sack assist... made a key play in the West Virginia victory, blocking a 31-yard field goal attempt as the first half expired...it was Horne's second career blocked kick...he also had a PAT block at Rutgers during the 2003 season...it was the Panthers' first blocked field goal in four seasons (Mark Ponko vs. West Virginia on 11/24/00)...had four tackles, two sacks and forced a fumble versus Ohio... also posted four tackles at Connecticut...had two tackles with a sack against Boston College.

2003: After beginning the year at strong safety, Horne moved to Will linebacker and started the final three games of the year, including the Temple, Miami and Virginia (Continental Tire Bowl) contests...played in all 13 games to earn his second letter...compiled 41 tackles, including three tackles for losses and a sack...had a career-high eight tackles versus West Virginia and added a forced fumble and one pass deflection versus the Mountaineers...in his first career start, had four tackles at Temple and his first-ever interception...in the Continental Tire Bowl versus Virginia, had five tackles and a sack... blocked an extra point in the win over Rutgers...named the coaching staff's Special Teams Player of the Game for the Rutgers contest.

2002: Played in seven games to letter...action came largely on special teams...had three tackles on the year.

2001: Redshirted as a true freshman.

High School: Three-year starter at defensive back and wide receiver at Franklin High...two-time all-conference...as a senior had 24 receptions for 466 yards (19.4 avg.) and two touchdowns and rushed 32 times for 282 yards (8.8 avg.) and two TDs...defensively, had 34 tackles and three interceptions...also had a 60-yard punt return for a touchdown...as a junior, caught 23 passes for 515 yards (22.4 avg.) and six touchdowns, rushed for 81 yards and two TDs and had 65 tackles and two interceptions...led team to two playoff berths during his career and the conference championship as a junior...PrepStar All-East Region...earned three letters under Coach Fred Blackhurst...also a track and field standout, earning four letters in that sport...district 400-meter champion...selected the district's "Track Athlete of the Year"...set school record in the 400 meters (50.2).

Personal: James Preston Horne, born 7/25/83, is the son of James and Shana Horne...has one sister...administration of justice major.